Appendix

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Common Interview Questions for Student A and B:

Pre-MCAS
  • In general, how do you feel about the MCAS? What is it?
  • What are your attitudes about it?
  • Have you ever had to take a test similar to MCAS anywhere before?
  • Do you feel prepared for the MCAS?
  • What have your teachers done to help you prepare? Be as specific as possible.
  • Do you think it is fair for newcomers to have to take and pass the MCAS? Why?
  • How confident are you about taking the test?


Post-MCAS
  • How do you think you performed? (English and Math)
  • Were you confident the day of the test?
  • Now that you have taken the test, did you feel that your teachers prepared you enough?
  • Was the language used on MCAS fair? Why?
  • Do you feel that the expectations for reading and writing were too low, high, or just right for ELLs?
  • What recommendations do you have for future MCAS test-takers?
  • Do you think you would have done better had it been given in your native language or if you had been living here for 5 or more years?